19.03.2014 George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivered the Government’s 2014 budget, which included some welcomed news concerning support for social enterprises and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The Chancellor’s speech highlighted the stronger-than… Continue reading
Tag: CDFIs
Bank disclosure of lending data provides “ideal opportunity” for mainstream banks to partner with CDFIs
The CDFA welcomes tomorrow’s disclosure of lending data at postcode level by the high street banks – and offers banks the opportunity of working with their members to reach hard to reach markets. Continue reading
Autumn Statement 2013
CDFIs can play a key role in delivering the growth, investment and employment that the Chancellor wants Continue reading
Change the message…
Ben Hughes examines how we can cut through the froth of the party conferences by spelling out how CDFIs are making a difference, and their £1.125bn contribution to GDP. Continue reading
The need for finance sector reform
Jennifer Tankard, Director of Community Development Foundation, explains why the Community Investment Coalition is working together for fair and affordable financial services for all.
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Lending, lending, lending…
It’s been a busy time for our business-focused CDFIs. They’ve been posting record lending figures, helping more small firms than ever.
Banking the unbankable
More and more firms are slipping into the category of ‘the unbankable’. But there is light – and money – at the end of the tunnel for these businesses. Continue reading
Time to get ruthless?
Banks lend to the most profitable customers. CDFIs lend to customers that are seen as less-profitable, more-risky. They lend smaller amounts, they build relationships with customers and, in most cases, also provide support and advice. This could be giving money management advice to a customer, or helping a social enterprise with its business plan. It is these value added services that are a core part of the CDFI’s social mission, and a core reason why they are effective at helping enterprises and families.
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Ethical lending on the rise as bank lending falls
New research from the CDFA shows that demand for CDFI loans has doubled in the last two years and has now hit almost £1 billion. Continue reading
Demand for non-bank business loans increases
Non-bank community lenders saw an increase in demand from businesses of 36% in the first quarter of 2013, according to the Community Finance Monitor survey. This bucks the trend reported in today’s Bank of England Trends in Lending report, which says demand for bank credit remained weak in quarter one, and that demand from small businesses fell. Continue reading